News 16 Feb 2011

Aprilia team boss Trinder confident RSV4 can win in ASBK

Queenslander Ben Attard will return to the ASBK in 2011 with i-Style Natural Aprilia Racing.

Queenslander Ben Attard will return to the ASBK in 2011 with i-Style Natural Aprilia Racing.

Aprilia’s exotic RSV4 will once again feature on the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championship grid in 2011 and i-Style Natural Aprilia Racing Team principle Steve Trinder believes the bike is capable of winning in its second year of ASBK competition.

With the full support of Aprilia’s Australian importer, John Sample Group, the i‐Style Natural Aprilia Racing Team has confirmed its entry with Queenslander Ben Attard.

“In 2010 we started the year with a brand new motorcycle, developing the bike with no reference points to work off,” said team principle Steve Trinder. “We are the only team racing the RSV4 in a domestic Superbike class.

“Bryan and the guys in the workshop have done a fantastic job developing this motorcycle. All the parts have been designed, engineered, manufactured and tested in‐house. I now know the Aprilia is ready to win, we’ve got the horsepower, we’ve got the torque and we’ve got the rider.

“In addition the John Sample Group is right behind us. I’m looking forward to a fantastic season.”

After competing with Dan Stauffer last season, Trinder is hopeful that the experienced Attard will extract the best out of the RSV4 after he finished a fine fifth place in race two of the final ASBK round last year in a guest appearance.

“Ben Attard is a rider I have always kept an eye on,” Trinder added. “I feel that he just needs the right organisation around him to do well, and we will be able to provide that in 2011 with the RSV4.

“But I must also say we were very lucky last year to have the services of the very experienced Daniel Stauffer to help develop this motorcycle. That’s part of the reason our bike now has the top‐end to complement the mid range and excellent torque of the V4 engine.”

Attard is excited for the year ahead, returning to racing after announcing his retirement mid-season last year while leading the Superstock A category.

“I really couldn’t believe it to be honest,” Attard commented. “I’ve really landed on my feet after a few disappointing years when things just didn’t go right. It’s a great team and great bike – I’m really looking forward to some strong results.

“The RSV4 almost feels like a 600, it’s really light and nimble but it’s also got fantastic power. I can’t wait for the first round.”

Supporting the i‐Style Natural Aprilia Racing team’s assault on the 2011 Viking Group ASBK is Powerhouse Dyno Tuning, Motul, RST Leathers, Alpinestars, RK Chain, Goodridge, Sportsbike, Monza Imports and Archers Paint & Panel.

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